Pivoting Counterweighted Suction Device for Robot-Assisted Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices for robot-assisted surface processing are cumbersome when handling small or narrow workpieces with curved surfaces, and often too large to effectively process these shapes, with machining 'upside down' being particularly problematic.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with a pivotally mounted housing and counterweight, balanced via a coupling square, allowing for torque compensation and stable operation regardless of orientation, integrated with a vacuum nozzle and hose outlet for efficient material extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional extraction hood is used for material removal, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but the device size becomes too large for small or narrow workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential functional component (suction nozzle) from the traditional extraction hood system, eliminating the bulky hood structure while retaining material extraction capability through a compact, robot-integrated nozzle
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is nested within the robot tool holder structure, with the suction nozzle integrated into the tool center point assembly, allowing the extraction system to occupy minimal space while maintaining effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If the suction device is mounted rigidly on the robot, then position control is simplified, but the device cannot adapt to varying workpiece orientations including upside-down machining
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device incorporates a pivotable mounting mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the nozzle orientation relative to the robot flange, enabling adaptation to various workpiece orientations including upside-down machining while maintaining controlled positioning
Solution Approach 2:
A counterweight system is implemented to balance the suction device around the pivot axis, compensating for gravitational effects and enabling stable operation in any orientation without requiring excessive control forces from the robot
3Volume of moving object
If the suction device is made compact for small workpieces, then adaptability to narrow workpieces is improved, but stability during machining is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight balances the compact suction device around the pivot axis, compensating for gravitational torque and maintaining stability during machining operations despite the reduced device size and compact configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight system creates a gravitational equilibrium where the suction device can operate stably in various orientations, effectively creating an equipotential condition that eliminates gravitational instability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and balanced suction of material from workpieces of varying shapes and orientations, including upside-down machining, without the need for excessive force, thus improving processing capabilities in robot-assisted surface processing.
Implementation Method 1
the counterweight creates a second torque about the axis, which at least partially compensates for the first torque
Implementation Method 2
the counterweight substantially balances the weight of the housing with respect to the axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an extraction device for a robot-assisted machine tool for surface processing. According to an exemplary embodiment, the extraction device comprises a housing with a vacuum nozzle and an outlet for connection of a hose. The extraction device also has a suspension that connects the housing to a mounting plate and is mounted on the mounting plate so as to be pivotable about an axis. A counterweight is connected to the suspension such that the counterweight substantially balances out the weight of the housing relative to the axis.